ECN EV Charging Supplement 2023

Hello

and welcome to ECN’s 2023 EV Charging Supplement.

Last month it was great to see so many women from the world of EV celebrated in the Top Women in EV 2023 programme, which is part of the EV Summit. A 2020 report by Deloitte found that in the automotive industry, women still only represent around 13% of the total workforce and 90% of participants feel that women are underrepresented in leadership positions. The report says that industry needs to drive greater representation by flattening the hierarchy and creating

policies that engage all levels of the organisation, so it is fantastic to see women in the EV industry celebrated for their achievements. Congratulations to everyone recognised as women leading the charge in the transition to e-mobility.

In this supplement, you will find articles from Rolec, NAPIT, Sevadis and XS Training. Rolec touches base on the EV industry; NAPIT charges up installer knowledge; Sevadis takes a closer look at its MaxiCharger; and XS Training looks at the City & Guilds Level 3 EV Charging Installations qualification.

I hope you find this supplement informative – look out for our next one in the June issue!

Our next supplement will be published alongside the June issue and will focus on Wiring Accessories, Switches & Sockets. To get involved, or for more information, please contact Kelly Byne at kelly@allthingsmedialtd.com.

The editor and publishers do not necessarily agree with the views expressed by contributors nor do they accept responsibility for any errors in the transmission of the subject matter in this publication. In all matters the editor’s decision is final. Editorial contributions to ECN are welcomed, and the editor reserves the right to alter or abridge text prior to the publication.

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12 City & Guilds Level 3 EV Charging Installations qualification: recharged

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TOUCHING BASE ON THE EV INDUSTRY

As the UK prepares for a net zero future, Rolec EV plays a pivotal role in ensuring that both EV drivers and businesses are equipped for the nation’s move towards decarbonisation. With over 15 years of experience in the electric vehicle charging industry and over 300,000 public and private chargepoints manufactured and installed, Rolec EV continues to serve the industry with its innovations in charging hardware and software.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more affordable and practical, and the UK government has set ambitious targets to phase out the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030. With increasing interest from consumers and businesses, the future of the EV industry is looking bright.

This shift towards electric transportation is expected to have a significant impact on the electrical installation industry in the UK, as the demand for EV charging infrastructure increases, but how can you take advantage of this increased public interest as an installer, and what do you need to know that can help you provide the best experience for your customers?

Changes to regulations

It is not new to suggest that more needs to be done to tackle the current climate emergency. The push for rapid decarbonisation can be felt throughout the UK and expands even further into the world – something that many national leaders are tackling through legislative and regulatory changes.

One of the newest developments on the UK government’s road to net zero are the Part S Building Regulations. Making it a requirement for all new build commercial and residential properties to have access to an EV chargepoint –an ambitious plan that accompanies the government’s transition to fully electric vehicles by 2030. Alongside these regulations, the government has outlined certain expectations for new EV technology, to maintain a level of quality.

What do you need to look out for?

Along with the recognised standard features of a chargepoint (a minimum output of 7kW and a universal power socket) ‘Smart Chargepoint Regulations’ have also been introduced. Of these regulations, scheduled charging is one of the key things to look out for –introduced to reduce strain on the grid by encouraging users to charge during off-peak hours. Compliant units, such as the QUBEV Smart, manage this via an

online app which also gives the user full control of their charger.

Furthermore, in line with the December updates to the Smart Chargepoint Regulations, electric vehicle chargepoints now have to have upgraded security measures – built-in tamper alerts being one of them.

EV charging in a cost-of-living crisis

Price is often the deciding factor between whether someone chooses to switch to an electric vehicle or not. It’ll be no surprise then that the number one best thing about the EV experience for personal lease drivers was low running costs. If we relate this cost back to EV charging, we can see people are opting for more affordable units that offer them cost-saving potential.

This is something that is not lost on the commercial side of the industry, where many have adopted public-facing EV charging as an additional revenue stream. Helped along by sophisticated chargepoint design, like Rolec EV’s BasicCharge and Quantum units, and back-office management systems like Monta, generating passive income from EV has seen an increase. Tariffs can be personalised for public or staff charging,

and units can be reserved for staff members during peak hours.

Opportunities for revenue have only been amplified by the increased introduction of DC rapid chargers, at a time when electric car drivers have been showing increased interest in dedicated charging hubs with amenities like coffee shops and free Wi-Fi. These two factors combined have opened potential for massive infrastructure growth.

Making the decision to install a rapid charging unit is dependent also on the cost of the unit compared to site traffic – Rolec EVs modular and fully scalable design for the UltraCharge 160 makes it one of the most cost-effective DC units currently on the market, allowing businesses to upgrade the unit by increasing the number of power modules as and when their needs change.

Additionally, during the current cost-of-living crisis, solar panels have been crucial in empowering people to pursue energy independence. For this reason, solar compatible units like the WallPod, Zura and QUBEV Smart are gaining popularity. Familiarising yourself with this type of install would be of benefit as the market shifts towards green energy sources and people seek further independence from the grid.

Installation considerations

As the demand for EV charging infrastructure increases, it is essential that installation is made as simple and easy as possible. In the past, installing EV charging points was a complex and time-consuming process, requiring significant planning and coordination. However, more and more EV charging units have been designed with the installer in mind. As for Rolec EV’s Zura and QUBEV Smart, the company opted for a mounting bracket-based system.

This is also the exact reason that the company created the Rolec EV Connect app. Paired with the entire range of Rolec EV chargepoints, the Rolec EV Connect app has been designed as a mobile installation tool. Designed with installers in mind, the app enables seamless chargepoint configurations in just a few taps.

Convenience is the key word here. By incorporating PME fault detection technology, the installation process can be streamlined, the risk of faults can be reduced, and the overall reliability can be improved. In-built PME fault detection has been invaluable in achieving this, as it means the unit won’t need an earth rod to be installed, which means less hassle for the installer and less disruption to the customer.

Another consideration is the use of smart charging technology, which allows for remote monitoring and control of your chargepoint. This technology can be integrated with other smart devices, such as your phone, so that you can receive live updates and alerts. Smart Charging units, like the QUBEV Smart, also allow for dynamic load balancing, which monitors the property’s overall electrical usage and adjusts the power going to the EV charger accordingly, protecting the property’s main fuse.

Increased use of modular units that can be easily installed and expanded as demand for charging infrastructure grows. The UltraCharge 160, for example, is designed to be scalable and flexible, allowing for quick and easy installation in a range of locations.

Looking towards the future

Making EV charging available to everyone, although necessary, has its own unique challenges. Houses were not built with EV charging in mind and don’t always have a standardised energy supply. However, there are ways to manage this challenge. For instance, opting for a unit with an internal amp selector will give you the option to down-rate the charger to match

the available supply. The QUBEV Smart, similar to Rolec EV’s complete range of AC chargepoints, offers this feature internally as well as through the Wi-Fi app. In terms of longevity, universal sockets tend to be the units of choice as tethered cables, however, although convenient, they may not be compatible with all electric vehicles on the market. This means users would potentially have to replace their charger if they got a new car or if a new person moved in with an incompatible connection. This, however, will become less relevant as older connections are phased out, as it is only certain models that still use the Type 1 connection. As long as you have confirmation of which BEV or PHEV will be used at the property, tethered may be the right choice for that site. It’s all about making an informed decision for your client based on the information you have.

Back-office management solution

When it comes to EV charging, it doesn’t just end with hardware. As mentioned earlier, the Rolec EV Connect app was created to specifically aid in the set-up of new chargepoints, giving you a step-by-step guide with easy to follow instructions. During the configuration, you will be prompted to input which back-office solution the customer has chosen for their chargepoint management, from a range of app suppliers with proven compatibility.

There are many back-office management solutions offering increased functionality to their users and these features can also be beneficial to contractors. By providing remote monitoring and management, for example, you can receive live updates if a unit experiences a fault.

Rolec EV’s back-office partner, Monta, provides real-time status and analytics which can be used to optimise the chargepoint, identify trends and patterns, and provide insight into user behaviour. This helps installers make data-driven decisions on how to improve infrastructure and meet the needs of their customers.

Installers also get access to Monta’s lead generator, which gives up-to-date information on chargepoint projects opening in your area and gives you the opportunity to bid for them. This allows you to expand your installation business internally, with the help of Monta – a trusted back-office system.

But what about once the job is done? Avoid late night call outs by offering your customers access to Monta’s 24/7

support network, which will manage customer queries and concerns, should something come up following your installation. This feature helps to manage chargepoint infrastructure more efficiently, resulting in improved customer satisfaction, increased revenue, and reduced maintenance costs.

Rolec EV, rolecserv.com

ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGEPOINTS

As the UK prepares for a net-zero future, demand for greener modes of transport and charging infrastructure increases. Rolec EV remains one of the largest manufacturers and suppliers of AC fast & DC rapid charging points. With solutions for the home, workplace, and commercial locations, Rolec EV has a reputation for delivering costeffective, scalable solutions to suit all budgets and requirements.

3.6kW through to 160kW charging speeds

Mobile app and/or RFID operated

OCPP 1.6 compliant

Built-in PME fault detection

MID-approved metering

4G / Wi-Fi / Ethernet connectivity

Branding & colour options

Wall-mounted & pedestal options

UK Smart Charge Point Regulations Compliant

OZEV grant fundable

CHARGING UP INSTALLER KNOWLEDGE: ELECTRIC VEHICLES

The government pledged to end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030 in November 2020, marking a historic step on the journey towards net zero. The years following this announcement have seen an increased focus on preparing the necessary infrastructure, workforce, products, and skills to meet the 2030 target. Installers of electric vehicle chargepoints are expected to be in high demand as the deadline for meeting the target approaches.

Regulations

The December 2022 uplift in Building Regulations supported the government’s commitment by requiring the installation of electric vehicle charge points (EVCPs) in all new homes and buildings and ensuring that all EVCPs installed going forward have smart functionality. This is critical for building a long-term sustainable infrastructure, as the EVCPs’ smart capability charges an electric vehicle when there is less demand on the grid or when more renewable electricity is available. This requirement also helps to mitigate concerns about grid capacity, load control and adequate electricity supply to buildings.

Not only do these regulations alleviate some of the industry’s concerns about grid capacity, but ‘smart chargers’, as they are dubbed, must also meet certain device-level requirements, enabling a minimum level of access, security, and information for consumers. This enables effective monitoring of usage and customer behaviour, which will aid in identifying any issues and allow any future policy to be based on empirical evidence.

Grants

In addition to regulating to increase the rate of EVCP installations, the government is providing grants for flat owner-occupiers and landlords to

encourage further installations. The EVCP grant covers 75% of the cost of installing a single chargepoint. Landlords can receive up to 200 grants a year for residential properties, and a further 100 for commercial properties. This grant replaced the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme, which was designed to help homeowners and provided funding for 291,549 domestic charging devices before concluding in April 2022.

To qualify for the EVCP grant, the installation must be completed on the consumers’ behalf by an Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) registered installer. Being a member of an Electrical Competent Person Scheme and providing proof of public liability insurance are prerequisites for becoming an OZEV authorised installer.

Other government funding options for EVCPs include the Workplace Charging Scheme, a voucher-based scheme that assists eligible applicants with the upfront costs of purchasing and installing an EVCP in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Furthermore, local government can take advantage of an on-street residential chargepoint scheme to help them support and deliver the EVCP rollout more effectively. The scheme’s goal is to increase the availability of on-street chargepoints on residential streets where off-street parking is unavailable.

Creating a competent EVCP installation workforce

The government’s commitment to improving EV infrastructure necessitates a skilled workforce of competent EVCP installers. NAPIT has a dedicated training provision to assist in the development of a competent EV installer workforce through a two-day training course offered at multiple NAPIT training locations across the country. The City & Guilds-approved course covers the Design and Installation of Domestic and Small Commercial Electric Vehicle Charging Installations. NAPIT Training delivered EVCP courses to over 500 of the next generation of EVCP installers throughout 2021, and these numbers are set to increase year on year. Whilst qualifications must be held and demonstrated, installers must also keep up to date with the latest developments as part of their Continuing Professional Development. Recent OZEV-commissioned audits of EVCPs installations revealed several common oversights made by installers that are often simple to correct. The NAPIT ‘Top 10 Tips’ guide for EVCP installs helps those installing chargepoints identify and avoid common mistakes. Along with providing technical guidance, NAPIT is continuing to collaborate with OZEV and the broader industry to raise standards in this area.

Decarbonising transport is essential if the UK is to meet its goal of net zero emissions by 2050, one of the primary drivers is through the Electric Vehicles. Put some power behind the services you can offer and upskill with NAPIT.

COURSE COVERS:

• Introduction, BS 7671:2018 section 722 and the IET Code of Practice

• Modes of charging, Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE), restrictions

• Installation practices, risk assessment, earthing, protection, labelling and practical exercises

• Plus much more!

MODULAR DESIGN, MADE FOR YOU

The MaxiCharger; an electric vehicle charging point of choice for electrical contractors, wholesalers, EV drivers and businesses across the UK. Why? For its capability to cater for all requirements, providing all stakeholders in the EV charge point installation journey endless opportunities.

The MaxiCharger

Designed and developed by Sevadis in partnership with global leader in vehicle diagnostics, Autel, the MaxiCharger has been made to specifically accommodate the UK market. Meeting The Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations and packed with features such as built-in PME fault detection (PEN protection) for single and three-phase products; dynamic load balancing functionality; socketed and tethered solutions, the MaxiCharger is a solution built for the multitude of requirements in the EV landscape.

The design and development doesn’t stop there. Recently, Sevadis launched the MaxiCharger with LCD Screen after customer feedback for commercial and public applications. With a strong emphasis on continuously monitoring industry trends and demands, the MaxiCharger delivers innovative solutions for the present, but also the future with its adaptability, fuelled by Sevadis’ and Autel’s robust research and development.

Build your solution

The MaxiCharger isn’t ‘just another’ electric vehicle charging point, it’s an all-encompassing solution, offering electrical contractors the foundations to diversify their portfolio across both domestic and commercial projects. Available in 7.4kW/11kW/22kW charging outputs, the MaxiCharger provides the facilities to charge for homeowners/residents, as well as businesses and organisations. One charger, endless opportunities.

Understanding that each individual requirement differs for the client, the MaxiCharger presents flexibility with its physical application capabilities. From installed directly on the wall of a premise, or via single and/or double wall enclosures to installed in a floor mounted solution via a pillar, or pedestal, the MaxiCharger proposes an EV charging solution for every scenario.

Take the MaxiCharger Pillar for example, one pillar can accommodate up to four MaxiChargers, all of which can offer different charging outputs respectively, offering a unique, space-saving solution for businesses and organisations.

Buy with confidence

With Sevadis, confidence from customers and key stakeholders is key for a seamless purchasing and installation process, not to mention when it comes to using and monitoring the EV charging points itself. With an industry leading 0.75% fault rate on the MaxiCharger, the likelihood of electrical contractors needing to revisit their clients for fault repairs is slim, and should faults occur, a three-year warranty (with option to extend) provides the end-user peace of mind. Whilst confidence in the MaxiCharger plays a crucial part in the decision making process for electrical contractors and their clients, confidence in support and service is also essential. At Sevadis, enquiries and queries are acknowledged within 24 hours, with all being addressed and actioned within 48 hours by the workforce of EV charging experts in the form of technical, sales and marketing support.

The EV industry is still in its infancy and purchasing, installing and using an electric vehicle charging point continues to present challenges for some. The

only way to alleviate this anxiety is by providing a powerful combination of quality products and committed personnel – both work hand-in-hand to deliver reliable solutions, generating confidence from installers through to end-users of the product.

Guaranteed availability

Living in a world where products are accessible in a matter of moments, as well as the rising demand for EV charging points, the next day delivery on the MaxiCharger ensures that electrical contractors and their clients are serviced efficiently, without lengthy lead times. With a UK based central dedicated warehouse matched with Autel’s capacity to manufacture 1.2 million MaxiChargers annually, Sevadis offers a ‘buy now, install tomorrow’ solution. Whether a project requires immediate turnaround, or a turnaround in six months, the MaxiCharger is within reach for every project at any given time.

Whilst Sevadis’ central warehouse houses immediate stock of the MaxiChargers, the MaxiChargers can also be purchased directly from electrical wholesalers across the country, including CEF and YESSS Electrical branches, providing electrical contractors with accessibility at their local branch.

Sevadis, sevadis.com

Meet the team this year

Get to know more about the MaxiCharger and the EV charging solutions delivered by Sevadis at a series of events this year.

• Fully Charged Live South (Farnborough International): 28, 29 and 30 April

• Fully Charged Live North (Great Yorkshire Showground): 19, 20 and 21 May

• YESSS Expo (Old Thorns Hotel and Resort, Liphook): 23 May

• CEF LIVE (NEC Birmingham): 8 and 9 June

An EV charging solution for all requirements, brought to you by Sevadis and the MaxiCharger.

The MaxiCharger is an all-encompassing solution

The MaxiCharger has been made to specifically accommodate the UK market

Seamless EV charging with the MaxiCharger

7.4, 11 and 22 kW charging outputs

Wall, pillar and pedestal options

OCPP compliant

Smart back-office solutions

Scan the code to learn more about the MaxiCharger

Socketed and tethered solutions

SLM and DLB capabilities

OZEV grant approved

Built-in PME fault detection for single and three-phase

CITY & GUILDS LEVEL 3 EV CHARGING INSTALLATIONS QUALIFICATION: RECHARGED

As the UK aims to be the fastest G7 country to decarbonise its roads by ending the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030, electric vehicles are seen as their natural replacement. It is estimated that in 2023, 27% of all new vehicles registered will be battery powered. As technology improves range and reduces charge times, electric vehicles are becoming more usable on a day-to-day basis.

In order to keep these vehicles running, the UK needs to continue to expand the EV charging network. In February 2023 alone, 1,250 new charging points were added to the Zap-Map website for publicly available charging and this figure doesn’t consider the amount of new private chargers installed in homes and offices around the country. EV charging is potentially big business for any electrical contractor.

Standards need to improve as the network expands

As with any rapid growth, unfortunately, the potential for disaster comes hand in hand. A OZEV audit, detailed on the IET website, highlighted that almost 18% of the 371 installations checked were shown to have dangerous or potentially dangerous issues. Unfortunately, for an industry that prides itself on quality, only 32% of the charge points sampled were deemed to be ‘satisfactory’.

In order to improve the standards of installations, City and Guilds has updated its Electric Vehicle Charging Qualifications. The focus of the qualifications is now more in-depth than before with regards to designing EV equipment and selecting appropriate protection for safety of the user. There is also a focus on the innovations made within the new Prosumer Installation chapter of BS7671. A major change to the entry requirements for this qualification, unlike previously, is the need to be a qualified electrician in order to undertake the course.

What are the options and opportunities for qualified electricians?

XS Training aims to provide a more flexible approach to achieving the City and Guilds 2921-31 Design and Installation of Domestic and Small Commercial Electric Vehicle Charging Installations

qualification. The company offers an online course which you can work at your own pace to complete, up to six months from registration. Upon completion of the online course, one day of attendance to the company’s Training Centre in West Yorkshire will be required to complete the Online Exam and Written Assignment needed to gain the certificate.

The flexible approach to the course will be of benefit to electricians wishing to upskill without a need for time away from site. The expert team of Qualified Staff are on hand along the way to offer help and advice to make the process of completing the course as smooth as possible.

This qualification has been approved by ECS (Electrotechnical Certification Scheme), allowing existing gold card members to add this onto their card to showcase their recognised ability to carry out EVC installation services across domestic and small commercial sites.

XS Training, xstraining.com

Coming soon...

A brand new awards ceremony celebrating the best of the electrical contracting sector

Same Day EV Pedestal Installation With

Universal EV Charger Foundations

Our innovative design can be used with ducting up to 150mm and allows for change of direction at each block where required.

The universal adaptor plate allows the below ground infrastructure to be installed before the EV charger has been specified or selected, futureproofing your project.

Suitable for local earthing with an earth rod within the block or with an open PEN device.

Our engineered solution ensures a uniform finish every time.

EV blocks can be installed in any weather conditions, reducing time and lost productivity.